Pale Metarranthis Moth
Common NamePale Metarranthis Moth
Scientific NameMetarranthis indeclinata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorstan, brown, grayish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, cherry, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'inchworms' or loopers that feed on the foliage of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in the soil, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for its pale, mottled brown coloration with indistinct, wavy crosslines and a small, dark discal spot on each wing. The outer margin of the wings is often slightly scalloped.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat wavy-edged wings, displaying a mottled pattern of pale tan to grayish-brown with darker brown irregular bands and a small discal spot on each wing.
